Environmental issues in Florida

Florida faces many important environmental issues because of its unique and rich natural areas. A big part of the state is made up of the Everglades, a vast and biologically diverse wetland area. Managing the health of the Everglades, along with Florida’s coastal waters and other wetlands, has played a big role in the state’s history and its economy, especially for farming.

Because Florida is mostly very close to sea level, it is especially affected by changes in the world's climate. Scientists and leaders describe the state as one of the places in the United States most at risk from climate change. This makes caring for Florida’s environment a very important job for everyone who lives there or visits.

Everglades

Main article: Draining and development of the Everglades

The Everglades are tropical wetlands in southern Florida. They are very important and are protected under special rules. There is a big project to help protect and restore the Everglades, which will cost $7.8 billion and take 30 years to finish.

Biodiversity

Florida is home to many special animals, including the Florida panther, an endangered type of cougar. There are about 230 of these panthers left in the wild, and some groups are asking for special areas to help protect them.

Other animals, like manatees, are also facing big challenges and are not growing in number as they need to. Alligators were once considered endangered but were taken off the list in 1987. In 2013, scientists looked at nine different species to decide if they should get special protection, including animals like the bridled darter and the Florida Keys mole skink.

Invasive species

See also: List of invasive species in Florida

Florida has more non-native amphibians and reptiles than any other place in the world. Many of these species came from the pet trade. Some of these non-native plants and animals have caused big problems for the state's natural habitats.

About one-third of the plant species in Florida are not native, and some of these have become invasive. Three big problems are Brazilian pepper, which has taken over large areas; melaleuca, which spreads quickly; and Australian pine, whose needles stop native plants from growing.

Florida also has many non-native animals. Some, like the cane toad, Gambian pouched rat, Nile monitor, and Burmese python, have hurt the state's ecosystems. The state’s fresh waters have more non-native fish species than anywhere else on Earth. The red imported fire ant, which came from South America, is also very aggressive and can sting painfully.

Fungus endangering some non-native palms

A harmful fungus is threatening several kinds of palm trees, including non-native queen palms and Washingtonia palms. People using tools that haven’t been cleaned are helping to spread this fungus.

Waste in Florida

Florida has many people and visitors who create a lot of trash. In the past, finding space to put this trash has been hard and expensive.

The state wanted to recycle most of its trash, and some places tried new ways to make this happen. One area is testing a method to turn trash into energy, which could help save space.

Pollution and waste

Florida faces many pollution challenges. In 2010, the state had 44 special cleanup areas, 101 damaged industrial sites, and thousands of places needing cleanup from old fuels and harmful chemicals. Because the underground water is close to the surface, drinking water can be at risk.

Mining for a mineral called phosphorus is important for the state's economy. However, the waste from these mines can sometimes leak and harm the environment. In 2021, a dam at a mining site broke, causing waste to flow into a nearby bay. Florida has rules to control how much phosphorus can be used in fertilizers to protect its water.

Superfund brownfields Phosphorus mining phosphogypsum Piney Point phosphate plant Tampa Bay phosphorus

Climate change

Florida is facing big changes in its weather patterns because of climate change. As the Earth gets warmer, Florida sees more extreme weather, like heavier rains and hotter temperatures. These changes affect the natural habitats, especially the wetlands like the Everglades, which are home to many plants and animals. Taking care of these areas is very important for keeping Florida’s environment healthy and for supporting farming and other industries.